It should be an exciting year for the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team, as they look to build on their best season to date.

A playoff appearance, a playoff win and advancing to the second round of the OUA post-season was all checked off their list last year and they're looking for bigger and better things in 2017-18.

With a good core of returning players being joined by a strong recruiting class and players ready for bigger roles, the depth and skill will be on show anytime the Lakers hit the floor.

Things won't be easy this season, the team likely won't surprise anyone, as they've made a name for themselves over the last couple years, but a new challenge is welcomed by the program.

Nipissing begins their season this weekend, hosting a pair of games – Friday versus Laurier and Saturday versus Waterloo.

Laurier finished the 2016-17 season with a 9-11 record, while Waterloo ended up 6-14 at the end of the campaign.

Nipissing had their best season to date, going 9-10, putting them in third place in the toughest division in the OUA.

Both games tip-off at 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.
 
Key Returners
1) Marcus Lewis
2) Ismael Kaba
3) Jaaden Lewis
4) Justin Shaver

Key Departures
1) Jordon Campbell
2) Christian Casimier

Key Recruits
1) Will Tran
2) David Quinn
3) James Murray
 
Team's "Best"
Outside threat: Jaaden Lewis and Ismael Kaba
Score threat: Marcus Lewis and Justin Shaver
Rebounder: Marcus Lewis and Justin Shaver
Defender: Marcus Lewis and Addy Ogunye
Ball-handler: Jerron Rhodes and Justin Hill
Ball distributor: Marcus Lewis and Jaaden Lewis
 
Coach's Quote
"We are looking forward to building off last year's playoff run with this veteran group. This group has learned a lot over the course of last season and this pre-season. We played very competitive competition that will translates to what we will see each night in the OUA. The expectation is to be a post-season team. We can accomplish this expectation by how we train, compete and prepare."